Brussels takes aim at the Netherlands for planning direct award to NS
The European Commission is starting an infringement procedure against the Netherlands for “failing to correctly apply” EU regulations on public transport, the European body announced on Friday. The Commission takes issue with plans for a...Read more
The Dutch bid farewell to their royal train
Dutch operator NS, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima will bid farewell to their royal train later this month. The official state visit to Belgium on June 20-22 will mark the final outing for the carriage,...Read more
Judge finds no issue with direct award process for Dutch Railways’ passenger services
A Dutch court has ruled against the Federation of Transport Companies (FMN) in their case against the government. The FMN had objected to the government’s aim to grant the incumbent operator, Dutch Railways (NS), another...Read more
Graffiti damage runs into the millions for rail operators
The financial damage to rolling stock due to graffiti runs into the millions annually, recent reports from Renfe, ÖBB, Dutch Railways and SNCB-NMBS have revealed.Read more
Badgers cripple Dutch railway lines, infrastructure manager not amused
Dutch infrastructure manager ProRail has had to suspend train traffic on two lines in recent days following the discovery of badger burrows under the tracks. This can result in track instability, which presents a safety...Read more
Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands sign for new cross-border service
Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands have signalled their intention to start a new cross-border rail service between the German city of Aachen and Liège in Belgium in December. In the Netherlands, the new service by...Read more
EU to back new cross-border pilots by European Sleeper, SJ, Eurostar, among others
The European Commission will support 10 pilot project for new cross-border services and the improvement of existing ones, it announced on Tuesday. Among the proposals selected are those by night train startup European Sleeper, the...Read more
Dutch Railways taps CAF for 600 million euro worth of new trains
Dutch Railways (NS) has ordered 60 new double-decker trains for Intercity services at Spanish manufacturer CAF for around 600 million euros. The order is split into 30 four-car units and another 30 six-car units for...Read more
Dutch government earmarks billions for investment in rail
The Dutch government will channel close to 3.5 billion euros towards new rail and other public transport infrastructure projects in the current decade. The investment package is aimed at increasing mobility options, new lines and...Read more
The Intelligent Rail Summit 2022 programme is finalised
There are less than three weeks to go until this year’s Intelligent Rail Summit. With the programme now complete, all signs are green for another successful edition of this important event, which features more than...Read more
Ensuring railway reliability in times of turmoil
The month of November is fast approaching, which means the Intelligent Rail Summit 2022 is just around the corner. The events of the past few months have underscored the strategic importance of railways, and infrastructure...Read more
Dutch government to open international connections up to competition
The Dutch ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management will allow competition on the international lines to Brussels, Paris, London and Basel, as well as the service between Amsterdam and Berlin. The move is not without...Read more
Railway sector calls on action to safeguard energy supply
With the increasing energy bills and insecurity about a steady supply, the European railway sector calls on action. Sector associations Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the European Rail Freight Association (ERFA)...Read more